Case Study: Mt. Vernon, IN

Behind an early 1900s church in Mt. Vernon, IN, stood a humble concrete block building originally used for storage, with a small kitchen tucked inside. As the church’s needs evolved, they doubled the size of the structure to accommodate grounds equipment and classrooms for youth programs.

While the expansion addressed functional needs for the organization, the exterior no longer reflected the character of the church, and it was in need of a fresh update.

Installation-friendly Siding Helps Church Members Deliver Professional Results

The crew initially considered traditional siding materials such as vinyl and fiber cement. However, after further evaluation and with longevity and performance in mind, the project team discovered Everlast siding and ultimately determined it was the perfect solution for the building’s long-term needs.

Ultimately, they chose a combination of Everlast 7" Lap Siding and Board & Batten Siding in Natural White, paired with Storm Grey Premium Color-Matched Trim, to create clean architectural lines and a modern, timeless appearance.

Once Everlast siding was selected, the building itself presented challenges. The concrete masonry units were uneven, and achieving flat, even walls was critical for the siding installation. Therefore, the crew furred and sheathed the entire structure to ensure proper installation and performance of the siding. Attention to detail was paramount, and guidance from the Everlast siding technical service team helped the crew fully manage the installation with proper, methodical execution.

Houseboats face unique environmental factors that go beyond those of traditional homes on land. Constant exposure to water, humidity, and shifting weather conditions make materials like fiber cement or real wood far less suitable for these applications.

“We used fiber cement siding in the past but found that Everlast siding was a step above and best in class,” said Zumpfe.

“The installation went incredibly smoothly from start to finish,” said Rich Fischer, installer and member of St. Philip Catholic Church. “The panels lined up beautifully, and leaving just ¼-inch on both ends made the horizontal sections go in effortlessly. Overall, the process was straightforward and efficient, and the finished result looks fantastic.”

A dedicated team of six congregation members with previous construction experience installed the siding, carefully planning each step to transform the building with precision and care. Everlast Lap Siding’s EZStack joinery helped ensure speedy and level installation for the group who had no prior experience installing it.

“From day one, durability was the church’s top priority and everyone is incredibly pleased with the final result,” said Kyle McClain, product specialist at Lensing Building Materials, a distributor of Everlast siding. “They wanted something that looked naturally beautiful but wouldn’t require constant upkeep or replacement down the road. Everlast siding gave them the long-lasting, maintenancefree exterior they’d been searching for.

Everlast siding is engineered for lasting performance, providing a dependable exterior that the church and its members can rely on. Its proprietary composite substrate called C CORE^® offers greater strength, thickness, and resiliency compared to other siding materials. Each plank’s UV-stable acrylic capstock and CedarTouch^® finish delivers the authentic look of premium cedar without the upkeep, ensuring the building retains its beauty and reliability for years to come.

The St. Philip Catholic Church renovation was completed in the summer of 2025.